People live in a world where internet security and safety are of extreme concern. You might think of some of the best ways to protect your data and personal information to avoid this threat. One of the best solutions is to use a VPN. Many people are still unaware of VPN services and their features.
If you are considering the benefits of a VPN, you have come to the correct location. But before discussing the pros and cons of VPN services, we must first understand the terminology.
What does VPN stand for?
At present, understanding a VPN is a must. A VPN, i.e., a Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows access to geographically restricted websites and virtual content. It helps protect your sensitive data and private information from cyber criminals like hackers by masking your IP address and providing a layer of encryption to your internet connection. A VPN has two utmost features, which are of prime importance. They are:
- SAFETY and SECURITY
- PRIVACY
How does a VPN work?
A VPN establishes a secure internet connection using two essential key elements: a VPN server and a VPN client. You can install the VPN client on your device and then connect it to a VPN server.
When a user connects through a VPN, an encrypted tunnel is established between a client and a server, which helps encrypt data and sustain privacy and security.
A VPN client allows a user to send encrypted data to the Internet, and the VPN server decrypts this data for the Internet. When the sent data is received, the VPN server encrypts it and, in turn, sends it back to the VPN client. Finally, you can access the decrypted data through the VPN client on your device without compromising safety, security, and privacy.
It is how a VPN works effectively and efficiently.
Pros and Cons of VPN Services
Advantages of VPN Services
When discussing the advantages and disadvantages of VPN services, you will learn their various benefits. Although, like any other service, VPNs have certain disadvantages, these are far less than in comparison to their advantages.
The advantages of a VPN are as under:
1. Protect your online identity
A VPN is very beneficial because it masks your IP address and provides encryption to your data to protect your identity online. It helps to hide your online activities and creates a barrier so that cybercriminals, hackers, government agencies, or ISPs can not keep track of them. It does not allow them to use your IP address to explore your details or private information.
A VPN protects you from advertisers who can sell your data to third parties. Always remember that the U.S. is one of the countries where ISPs can sell your data to third-party advertisers. Whether you are a resident of the U.S. or not, be aware that your ISP can sell your sensitive data to advertisers.
You may be surprised to know that search engines like Google are free to share your sensitive data with any advertiser. These advertisers mostly use their ads and cookies to track your online activities and sell their products and services to you. So, never blindly trust anyone.
2. Secure online connections
You will find a Wi-Fi connection in every other house, which may be secure. The second thing is free Wi-Fi, also known as public Wi-Fi, which may not be secure, which means lacking security and safety. Hackers can track any of your information using free or public Wi-Fi. They can steal sensitive data, such as your email credentials, bank details, credit/debit card details, etc.
If you opt for a good paid VPN, your data and personal information will be safe and secure. The VPN uses an encrypted tunnel to offer privacy, and no hacker can read the encrypted data. This means that you are 100 percent secure with a VPN.
A VPN has been developed to secure your connection so nobody can find your details. It is also helpful if you need to access any file from remote locations.
3. Bypass geo-blocking
You often come across content or websites that are banned or unavailable in your location to access it. That is what geo-blocks mean. In many countries, specific websites, movies, and TV shows are restricted, but if you use a VPN, your problem will be solved as it allows access to these websites or content by removing geo-restrictions.
It generally happens because they need to comply with their bylaws, terms of agreement, and conditions of service. How does a VPN help? The answer to your question lies here.
A VPN hides your IP address so that no one can track your identity and location, and it helps overcome geo-barriers. This way, you get accessibility because the ISPs fail to know your location, and it seems you are from the same area.
For instance, all U.S.-based content is not accessible to the entire world, or different countries block these content because it may be inappropriate for them. You can access restricted websites using a VPN, which helps to bypass geo-blocking.
4. Prevent bandwidth throttling
Are you unaware of bandwidth throttling? Do you know what it means? Bandwidth throttling usually occurs when your ISP decreases your internet speed. They do it often to improve and regulate the traffic and reduce network congestion. They do it to allocate bandwidth to all of their subscribers properly.
Another reason for bandwidth throttling might be to encourage you to upgrade to a costlier data plan.
A VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks your online activities and data consumption. Thus, ISPs remain unaware of your activities, such as playing online games, downloading, or streaming. As a result, they don’t throttle your bandwidth, and you take full advantage of the service.
5. Bypass firewalls
You are lucky enough to use a VPN because it hides the IP address and enables you to bypass firewalls. A network firewall prevents access to certain content. It is mostly used at schools, offices, airports, hotels, etc.
Network administrators instruct you to do it because they want you to comply with the bylaws. In this case, a VPN helps bypass network firewalls and provides easier access to censored content.
6. Better online gaming experience
A VPN provides security through an encrypted connection and hides your IP address and personal data. Thus, you can easily access certain banned games in your location. It helps you choose a virtual location to play your favorite game and improves your gaming experience.
VPN allows you to play online with full safety and security. It also protects you from DDoS attacks and helps you avoid certain gaming restrictions, like IP bans. It helps you enjoy online games and improves the gaming experience.
7. Avoid price discrimination
Many airline companies charge varied prices to online visitors because you are from a different geolocation. It is pretty unfair.
Other online retailers do the same practice. They do it to earn profit for their business growth. It is foolish enough to pay a high price for the same product or service just because you are from a different region.
However, using a VPN can avoid price discrimination. It hides your IP address, so you will not have to pay a high price. It hides your actual geographical location, so if you are from a more developed country, it will show that you belong to a developing country. Therefore, you will get the same service at a reasonable price.
You need to use a VPN smartly because online retailers use such technologies. You visit their websites repeatedly from the same computer or mobile device.
Thus, every time you visit the same website, remove all the browsing history, internet cookies, and browser cache so that websites do not keep track of your visit and charge you a high price.
You may also use your web browser’s private or incognito mode to maintain your privacy and anonymity.
8. Secure torrenting
VPN helps secure torrenting. All torrent users can easily see your IP address, which means you are in great danger because they may pose a threat as they can track your location or region.
According to your country’s laws and regulations, torrenting can also be considered illegal. If you do not want to be in danger due to illegal activities, using a secure VPN is better and wiser.
9. Protected file sharing
If you are a VPN user, you can easily share your files with others anywhere and at any time. A VPN offers security and safety, ensuring your data is not stolen or unmasked.
10. Anonymity
Most of us want to be anonymous to maintain our privacy on the Internet. The Internet is an essential part of our lives, but it can also be a curse if someone steals your personal or sensitive data.
No one can deny that cybercriminals/hackers can easily steal your data if your identity is revealed. If you are surfing, you want no one to keep track of your activities. In this case, a VPN is an excellent choice for being almost anonymous online.
You can easily access desired content or blocked websites with complete anonymity. One thing you always need to remember is to hide your identity by using a paid VPN service. A paid VPN service always keeps you anonymous online.
After reading about the advantages of VPN services, let’s move to the disadvantages.
Disadvantages of VPN Services
The cons of a VPN are much less than the pros. Still, you must consider specific cons to avoid or eliminate trouble and danger.
Increasing awareness about some disadvantages of a VPN will not harm you but rather create better experiences. The disadvantages of VPN are as follows:
1. Free VPN means risk
The most basic feature of a VPN is safety and protection. But anything wrong with a VPN can hamper your safety and privacy.
Choosing a better VPN service is essential. You need to opt for a paid VPN instead of a free one. Paid VPNs offer better encryption and security than unpaid ones. It is up to you which one to choose. So, be smart and make a correct, mindful decision.
Never buy a VPN that keeps logs of your online activities. It can cause trouble for you and your privacy. It is to be considered when paying for a VPN to keep yourself safe, secure, and anonymous online.
For instance, paid VPN services offer protocols like AES 256-bit encryption, SoftEther, DNS leak protection, Killswitch, etc., excellent security, and a no-log feature.
2. Secure VPN is costly
Anything with better quality will be expensive. For better security, you need to opt for a paid VPN. This will pose a problem if you are short of funds and need more money to afford the paid one.
However, many VPNs are cost-effective and offer quality service at reasonable prices through monthly or annual subscriptions. They also often offer discounts and promotional offers.
VPN will cost you less when you buy for one year or more.
3. Sometimes, slow internet speed
Not often, but sometimes, a VPN can slow down your internet speed. Apart from its features, like strong and secure connection, encrypted tunneling, VPN protocol, server location, etc., it can sometimes hamper the speed.
But, it might not be the case if you have a compatible, powerful CPU and high-speed bandwidth. Still, you need to be aware of the fact that, as a VPN user,
4. VPN blocker technology exists
The star of all streaming services—Netflix—often comes in the path of VPN connections with the availability of VPN blockers.
It might happen that despite your VPN connection, you cannot access the content according to your choice.
However, some preferred VPN services like Nord VPN and Express VPN exist, which can combat the VPN blocker technology of Netflix and other streaming services.
5. VPN connection may drop
Even though you use a trusted and reliable VPN, sometimes your connection drops. The main problem is that your IP address can be seen when the connections drop and your anonymity is no longer sustained.
However, you can overcome this major concern with the help of a kill switch feature, which suddenly disconnects you from the Internet when the VPN server drops.
If you want anonymity and are concerned about privacy and security, I recommend a VPN with a kill switch. You can choose from Hotspot Shield, Nord VPN, CyberGhost, PrivateVPN, or VyprVPN.
6. Difficult to configure sometimes
It is very important to configure your VPN properly. If you do not choose a trusted VPN, the VPN server, protocols, and encryption cannot protect you from IP addresses and DNS leaks.
You are gone once your IP address and DNS leak that very moment. Cybercriminals can take advantage of this loophole in your privacy and security.
What are you waiting for if you know the VPN features and configuration?
Hurry up! Make the right choice.
If you are a beginner, use user-friendly VPNs like NordVPN, SurfShark, CyberGhost, or Tunnel Bear. I am sure these VPNs will make your first experience remarkable and fun-loving.
7. Not built for all devices
Many devices, like Linux and Chromebooks, still lack VPN support. Most VPN services support Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS operating systems.
If your operating system does not support VPNs, you must manually set up a VPN connection on your device.
Specific platforms, like gaming consoles, set-top boxes, etc., do not support a VPN. You must buy a router to set up a VPN for security, safety, and privacy.
Do You Need A VPN?
After considering the Pros and Cons of using a VPN, you should choose one to enjoy your device’s safety and security features. A VPN is also beneficial for accessing censored, blocked, and geo-restricted content.
It is up to you to choose a good quality paid VPN or an unpaid one. Choosing a VPN that offers a high-speed connection and unlimited bandwidth is advisable to avoid bandwidth throttling.
Remember to review the list of best top-rated VPNs, depending on positive reviews, before purchasing one. It will help you make the right choice.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN Services
To conclude, I would like to point out the advantages and disadvantages of VPN services that you should consider when making the right choice.
| VPN Advantages | VPN Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Masks your IP address and location to bypass geo-blocking | Better VPN services charge money; unpaid ones do not offer safety and security benefits. |
| Helps to bypass firewalls | Does not support all native devices and operating systems. |
| Saves you from hackers. Encryption tunnel provides security and safety to your data. | It sometimes slows down internet speed due to its security features. |
| Deal with bandwidth throttling. | A few VPN services log the data, dramatically threatening your anonymity, safety, security, and privacy. |
| It offers a better online gaming experience, which adds fun and entertainment. | Anti-VPN software is available. |
| It helps eliminate or reduce price discrimination. | A VPN connection may randomly drop. |
| Ensures safety and security while torrenting. | Difficult to set up on some devices/OS. |
Conclusion
If you want to enjoy certain features, such as bypassing geo-blocked content, privacy, anonymity, encrypted data transfer, etc., you should choose a trusted VPN service provider.
So, I would suggest considering all the advantages and disadvantages before choosing a VPN that is best suited for you. Privacy and security should be held high while selecting a good quality VPN.